Kind of Obsessed: This Is My Go-To Winter Layer

There’s a familiar dilemma this time of year: be warm in a parka or be stylish in a topcoat. I typically choose to be warm. A few weeks ago, smart layering choices allowed me to be both warm and stylish while attending an outdoor event on a windy, 30-degree night. The wind that night whipped passerby and garbage cans alike, but I was toasty and comfortable and didn’t look like a marshmallow. The Patagonia Nano Puff is my new go-to winter layer for staying warm while wearing a stylish topcoat, and it should be yours, too.

Why the Nano Puff? First, the insulation. It’s filled with synthetic 60-g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco, which maintains 98% of its warmth even if it’s wet (which it probably won’t be, since it’s water-repellent). Next, its shell; the quilting keeps the insulation in place, which ultimately means you’ll be warm for longer, and that the jacket itself will last longer. The shell is also water-resistant with two handwarmer pockets to keep your hands warm and dry. If you don’t like scarves, no fear: the Nano Puff’s collar is filled with the same great PrimaLoft insulation as the rest of the body to keep your neck warm. But it’s not only a great mid-layer; it’s also great on its own. It’s available in a range of colors, too, so you can opt for being subtle or bold.

Wearing a technical layer under your formal jacket is a no-brainer winter hack. It’s the go-to winter look at the Gear Patrol office, and it’s even been in the Wall Street Journal. If you’re looking for a technical jacket that’s perfect to layer under an overcoat or to wear on its own, you can’t go wrong with the Patagonia Nano Puff.